A. Perry Philips Park, 5050 Bristol Lake Parkway, Columbia, MO

Parks & Recreation
Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs

A. Perry Philips Park (under development)

5050 Bristol Lake Parkway

140.02 acres

Park Facilities

140.02 acres
40-acre lake - (see fishing limits)
2 - Single-table picnic shelters
1 - gravel walking trail (lake perimeter) - 1.44 mile
1 - ADA Fishing Dock, 36' x 18', covered
1 - ADA Boat Dock, 12' x 24'
1 - ADA drinking fountain (under construction)
1 - Bike rack
1 - Rain garden
Restroom (warm weather only; portable toilet Oct 15-Apr 15)

Park Hours: 6 am - 11 pm daily

aerial view of Phillips Lake

(click here for more photos)

Park Map

Park Master Plan

Crane/Philips Property Maps

Capital Improvement Projects

Donation Opportunities

Philips Lake officially opened to the public for fishing July 18, 2008 (see press release). The boat ramp, boat dock, fishing dock, entrance road and parking lot have been completed. The restroom will be installed this summer 2010. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric/battery trolling motors can be used on the lake. The lake is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and MDC fishing regulations and limits apply. (Click here for fishing limits).

The City of Columbia has obtained a grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation in the amount of $157,500 for park development in support of a fishing lake, which included the construction of an entrance road, parking lot, boat ramp, boat dock, restrooms, sidewalk, and lighting. The development in accord with this grant will be phase I of the park development.

The park was master planned in conjunction with the the Gans Creek Recreation Area (formerly known as the Crane property), for the development of a southeast regional park. The master plan for both parks was approved by the City Council at the May 3, 2010 Council Meeting. The parks will be developed over many years, similar to Cosmo Park, as priorities are established and funding becomes available.

Capital Improvement Projects
Year Completed	Project Description
2010	South Regional Park Planning
	Philips Park Development - Phase I

Property Acquisition

The City of Columbia purchased 77.07 acres of the former E. M. Philips farm in October 2004. Based on the purchase agreement approved by the City Council, the 62.95-acre lake area was donated by Bristol Lake Investments, LLC on December 30, 2005. Acceptance of the donated property was contingent upon the completion of improvements that included raising the dam for the lake, improving the spillway, dredging part of the lake to make it deeper and removing silt. These improvements are designed to make the lake suitable for a regional stormwater facility and a public recreational facility.

Bristol Lake Investments is also responsible for constructing a public street running from Ponderosa to the City's property. The City of Columbia is responsible for 50% of the cost of these improvements.

City plans purchase of Philips for park
Columbia Missourian - 9-5-04

$1.3 million Philips purchase OK'd
Columbia Missourian - 9-21-04

Public lake in the works for A. Perry Philips Park
Columbia Missourian - 3-20-06

Planning, parks top list for Watkins
Columbia Missourian - 6-21-06

Council approves new regional park
Columbia Daily Tribune - 3-20-07

By summer's end, a new city lake
Columbia Missourian - 5-4-07

Philips Lake project receives state aid
Columbia Missourian - 6-4-07

Parks expand city horizons
Columbia Daily Tribune - 6-17-07

Public meetings to discuss planned regional park
Columbia Missourian - 10-23-07

Public invited to forums on new park
Columbia Daily Tribune - 11-7-07

Columbia Parks and Recreation Commission recommends names for new park
Columbia Missourian - 7-3-08

Philips Lake opens for fishing
Columbia Missourian - 7-16-08